Monsanto seeks approval for new GM soybean

A higher-yielding variety of
genetically modified soybeans from Monsanto could be introduced commercially
within the next few years, according to the leading biotechnology
firm.

Monsanto's
second generation Roundup RReady2Yield soybean is currently under
review by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has called for public
comments after receiving a petition for deregulation of the
variety.

According to Monsanto's petition, its
new soybean – MON 89788 – can improve crop yields by 4 to 7%,
compared to Roundup Ready soybeans. Like the first generation product, the new
variety is designed to tolerate Monsanto's herbicide
Roundup.

If approval is granted, Monsanto said it
expects the new soybean variety to be commercially introduced in 2009. The
second generation product would then replace the original Roundup Ready soybean,
which would be gradually phased out.